Dressing Up with Sarah Kolis

Sarah Kolis
  • 5.0 (20)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the Dressing Up podcast! Join Sarah Kolis as she shares engaging 💍 tips about all things bridal dresses, wedding/event day advice, a little bit of sewing content, and all the tips and tricks of dressing up. Sarah talks about lots of bridal and general wedding day content, but not exclusively. Oftentimes, she finds that your wedding day is one of the few days in your life where you truly dress up and feel your most beautiful, and she hopes to encourage women to dress up more and confidently outside their wedding day. Sarah Kolis is a couture gown designer based in Detroit who serves the whole Midwest area and beyond specializing in complete custom couture bridal gowns, veils, and alterations. Sarah has a meticulous approach to quality service and will shape your garment to fit properly and match your personal shape and style. Working with such special gowns and dresses is truly an honor! Join Sarah as she interviews experts in this field, learn about her opinion on certain topics, and take a moment to show and enhance our own personal style through the clothes we wear. Visit https://sarahkolis.com/ to learn more, book of fitting, or inquire about designing the custom couture bridal gown of your dreams. Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/

  1. OCT 9

    60. Why Every Wedding Needs Storytelling with Jeannene Lillie Events

    I’m joined by Jeannene from Jeannene Lillie Events, a Metro Detroit wedding planner known for her calm, thoughtful, and storytelling-driven approach to planning events! Jeannene shares how she made the leap from designing multicultural spaces at the University of Michigan to launching her own wedding planning company in 2020, and what it’s been like to build a business around creating elevated and approachable celebrations! We talk about: Why weddings are about more than logistics, and how weaving in storytelling details makes each celebration feel unique.Creative ways couples can carry traditions forward long after the wedding day.What planners are really doing behind the scenes (hint: it’s not just picking napkin colors!).A moving story that shows the heart of what planners bring to a wedding day.Trends Jeannene hopes will stick around (and one she could do without).Her best advice for women starting and growing their own businesses. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep a wedding running seamlessly, or how to make your own big day feel truly personal, this episode is full of insights and inspiration! Connect with Jeannene: Website: https://jeannenelillieevents.com/ If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to hello@sarahkolis.com Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

    42 min

  2. AUG 14

    59. Turning Parties Into Works of Art with Stem Event Design’s Kevin Miller

    What happens when you take floral design to the next level? Kevin Miller, president of Stem Event Design in Metro Detroit, has built a business turning weddings, showers, birthdays, and corporate events into fully immersive works of art! From hanging lamps and French country fringe to refined garden parties and themed dinners, Kevin shares how he creates atmosphere from floor to ceiling, and why your next event should be as personal as your favorite outfit. We cover how to work seamlessly with planners, where to splurge for maximum impact, and why trends are overrated when you’re designing from the heart! In this episode: The best time to bring in a designer for your wedding or special eventHow to make birthdays, showers, and intimate dinners unforgettableWhy fashion trends often show up in florals and event stylingBehind-the-scenes “save the day” stories from high-pressure installs Connect with Kevin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stemeventdesign Website: stemeventdesign.com If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to hello@sarahkolis.com Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

    54 min

  3. JUL 24

    58. Cleaning Your Wedding Dress Step by Step

    My sister, Angela, just got married recently, and I thought it would be the perfect time to show you everything about how to preserve your wedding dress! Preserving your gown essentially means cleaning and boxing up your gown nicely after the wedding! In this episode, I walk you through the full process of using a wedding dress preservation kit—what it is, how it works, and why it matters. If you're unsure how to properly store your gown after your wedding, or you're helping a friend or family member do it while they're on their honeymoon, this is a great resource to pass along! I demonstrate the step-by-step process using my sister Angela’s wedding dress, including how to assemble the kit, prep the gown, and safely ship it to the Wedding Gown Preservation Company. I also share tips on proper long-term storage and why ordering your kit sooner rather than later makes a difference. Whether you're a bride, a family member, or a vendor helping with post-wedding logistics, this episode is your go-to guide. Mentioned: Preservation kits available at sarahkolis.com/shop (or purchase at a discount at your alterations fitting before the wedding!)See the full process from start to finish, including the final result from my sister Melissa’s gown (Episode 37)Need help or have questions? Send me a DM or reach out via my website! If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to hello@sarahkolis.com Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

    9 min

  4. JUL 17

    57. Behind the Seams of Angela’s Custom Wedding Dress

    In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of creating my sister Angela’s custom couture wedding gown—from our initial mock dress in December to the final fittings and bridal photo shoot in May! You'll hear about the design decisions, unexpected fabric challenges, and emotional breakthroughs that brought her dream dress to life. Plus, I share details about bridesmaid dresses, our New York fabric hunt, and the purse artistry that went into the veil. This episode captures the full journey of creating a truly personal wedding gown!   This is a great one to watch on YouTube! https://youtu.be/__rXzNERdm0   Completed gown video from photoshoot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ufmUwXkrHA   Connect with the Photoshoot Vendors: Lead Photographer: Penny Ralene Photography 2nd Photographer: Astrid Cordier Photography Videography: Ten Thirty Films Makeup: DN Artistry Hair: Hairpins & Happiness Florist: The Flower Alley If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to hello@sarahkolis.com Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

    30 min

  5. MAY 8

    56. The Rise of the Wedding Content Creator: Behind the Scenes with Ella, Wedding & Event Content Creator

    In today’s episode, I’m joined by Griselda Mucollari (Ella), Metro Detroit’s go-to wedding and event content creator. With a background in international advertising and a passion for storytelling, Ella captures the candid, emotional, and joy-filled moments to fill the gaps that traditional vendors often miss. We talk about her unique path from corporate America to content creation, how she built a business that blends iPhone footage with intentionality, and why wedding content creators are becoming a highly desired want-to-have vendor for modern couples! In this episode:What a wedding content creator actually does—and how it’s different from formal videographyElla’s journey from global ad campaigns to documenting local love storiesThe rise of iPhone-quality behind-the-scenes content—and why couples love itA full walkthrough of a wedding day from her lens (literally!)Tips for hosting unforgettable events and being the “host with the most”Why thoughtful planning, small details, and genuine moments matter more than perfectionEmerging trends in weddings—from intimate guest lists to restaurant venuesEmotional stories, from first looks to surprise moments with parentsReal talk about pricing, the value of vendor services, and misconceptions around costConnect with Ella: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detroit_content_creator/ If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to hello@sarahkolis.com Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

    52 min

  6. APR 24

    55. Planning Your Dream Honeymoon with a Luxury Travel Advisor, Gray Ellender, Go With Gray Travel

    In this episode, I'm joined by Gray Ellender of Go With Gray Travel, a luxury travel advisor and honeymoon specialist who helps couples plan seamless, stress-free trips! Gray shares her unique journey from healthcare to launching her own travel brand and breaks down what it's really like to work with a travel advisor—hint: it's not as expensive as you might think! In this episode:The surprising perks of using a travel advisor (even if you already booked!)The three types of travel planning Gray offersWhy the honeymoon isn’t the time to DIY logisticsHow Gray built a personal brand that connects on a deeper levelHer favorite destinations and most memorable client tripsWhether you’re engaged and planning a honeymoon, or just dreaming of your next getaway, Gray’s insight will open your eyes to what’s possible (and how much easier it can be when you don’t do it alone). Connect with Gray: Website: www.gowithgraytravel.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gowithgraytravel/ Email: gray@gowithgraytravel.com If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to hello@sarahkolis.com Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

    28 min

  7. APR 10

    54. The Couture Bridal Experience: Designing the Perfect Custom Gown

    Creating a custom couture wedding gown is more than just designing a dress—it’s about crafting a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In this episode, Sarah Kolis takes you behind the scenes of my bridal design process, sharing everything from the initial consultation to the final fitting. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a truly one-of-a-kind wedding dress, this episode is for you! I also chat with bride, Ashley Rozek, who struggled to find the perfect gown in stores and chose a custom design route instead. She shares her experience, from choosing fabrics to her pre-wedding photo shoot, and why having a couture gown made all the difference for her special day! If you’re considering a custom wedding gown or just love hearing about the artistry behind couture bridal fashion, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-life bridal stories! In this episode: The step-by-step process of creating a custom wedding dressHow to decide between a store-bought or custom gownWhy mock dress fittings are a crucial part of the processThe importance of high-quality bridal fabrics and how they impact the final lookAshley’s experience with a custom gown and her stunning pre-wedding photo shoot If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to hello@sarahkolis.com Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

    32 min

  8. APR 3

    53. Building a Family-Owned Wedding Venue with Alicia McKay, The Oakley

    In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia McKay, co-owner and venue coordinator of The Oakley, a premier event venue in Holly, Michigan! Alicia shares how she unexpectedly fell into wedding planning after her own wedding and how that journey evolved into running a full-scale family-owned venue on a 40-acre property!We talk about:How Alicia transitioned from graphic designer to venue ownerThe transformation of her in-laws' horse barn into a stunning venueWhat makes The Oakley’s full-weekend experience so uniqueWedding trends we’re both seeing and lovingReal-life sacrifices and joys of working in the wedding industryAlicia also shares her heartfelt philosophy on treating every couple like family and the importance of creating a stress-free, memorable experience.Whether you're planning a wedding, dreaming of starting a venue, or just love hearing women in business share their story—this episode is full of insight and inspiration! Connect with Alicia: Website: www.theoakleyevents.com Instagram: @theoakleyevents Facebook: @theoakleyweddings If you have questions for Sarah to answer, send an email to hello@sarahkolis.com Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh7HlVmyj9N5VsleuySxcQ

    36 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Dressing Up podcast! Join Sarah Kolis as she shares engaging 💍 tips about all things bridal dresses, wedding/event day advice, a little bit of sewing content, and all the tips and tricks of dressing up. Sarah talks about lots of bridal and general wedding day content, but not exclusively. Oftentimes, she finds that your wedding day is one of the few days in your life where you truly dress up and feel your most beautiful, and she hopes to encourage women to dress up more and confidently outside their wedding day. Sarah Kolis is a couture gown designer based in Detroit who serves the whole Midwest area and beyond specializing in complete custom couture bridal gowns, veils, and alterations. Sarah has a meticulous approach to quality service and will shape your garment to fit properly and match your personal shape and style. Working with such special gowns and dresses is truly an honor! Join Sarah as she interviews experts in this field, learn about her opinion on certain topics, and take a moment to show and enhance our own personal style through the clothes we wear. Visit https://sarahkolis.com/ to learn more, book of fitting, or inquire about designing the custom couture bridal gown of your dreams. Connect with Sarah: Website: https://sarahkolis.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/

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